EMM LABS DV2

The DAC in DV2 is outstanding. I got my DA2 paired with Aurender N10 and couldn’t be any happier.

If you plan to keep DV2 then ask your dealer to loan you NS1...this pairing will have one distinct advantage that no other streamer will offer. The NS1 is equipped with EMM’s proprietary EMM Optilink interface which will allow NS1 to be galvanically isolated from EMM D/A Converters. Along with EMM’s Optilink, EMM D/A Converters like the one in DV2 can receive media and track information on their display via RS232 connection.

I did not care to pursue this option cause I am very content with N10’s superlative sound and it’s excellent proprietary Conductor iOS app.

“Do you have the EMM REF preamp?”

Nope, I am currently using Shindo Monbrison preamp. 

@jakesnak,

The VC in DV2 is much superior than Sigma SSP.  I wouldn’t use any preamp between DV2 and M600’s. 
As far as NS1 vs N10, I am not in a position to comment since I have no direct experience with NS1. And yes, I am using a USB cable. You can check out my system here, https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8046

@jakesnak,

Thanks for your kind feedback. Without a doubt N10’s SPDIF and AES/EBU audio outputs are superior over its USB output due to signal from these outputs being regulated by one of the finest on-board OCXO clock. I’ve used both of these outputs for a very long time with DAC’s prior to acquiring DA2.

With DA2’s meticulous and superb implementation of DSD and USB, I started listening to high resolution files than be content with files upto 24bit/192kHz resolution. For the sake of convenience and simplicity (one less $$$ digital cable) I stayed with USB as it supports wide variety of resolutions without the hassle of switching back and forth between PCM and USB.

If you’re concerned about missing out on high resolution due to non-MQA support, sign up for a trial with Qobuz. I have dropped Tidal last year after auditioning Qobuz. To my ears, their high resolution SQ is superior to Tidal (even with full unfold of MQA files).

IMHO, DA2 is one of the finest sounding DAC currently available on the market.

Enjoy!

@jakesnak,

As I recall, since optilink won’t pass MQA signal, I would skip MQA all together. Aurender only offers first unfold of MQA files (upto 24bit/96kHz) for a one time fee of $50.

For this comparison, I would sign up Sign up for Qobuz trial and listen to wide variety of files available in high resolution upto 24bit/192kHz. Use AES/EBU connection from N10 to DV2 and optilink connection between the NS1 and the DV2.

Have fun and post your findings!

@jakesnak,

To further clarify my comment about “Aurender only offers first unfold of MQA files (upto 24bit/96kHz) for a one time fee of $50”, the rest of the unfold of MQA file will take place within DV2. The Aurender will pass MQA files through PCM (AES/EBU, SPDIF) and USB outputs.

The reason I want you to ignore MQA for your comparison is because NS1 won’t pass MQA. Listening to high resolution files through Qobuz and DSD off your thumb drive would yield best results and a honest test of both player’s capabilities.